KUBANG PASU: Though life has been tough for widow Nor Aza Hamzah and her four children, nothing could stop her from smiling as she brought home a "new" car thanks to the generosity of Malaysians.
The 43-year-old made headlines after the story of her struggle to make ends meet while relying on her worn-out Perodua Kancil.
She used her "old junk" to send her children, aged 3 to 11, to school and to take her mother-in-law to hospital visits.
Yesterday, she received her "new" car, a second-hand Proton Saga she purchased with donations from the public.
"I felt like I was in a dream when I realised I could afford a second-hand car from the donations I received," she said when met in Kampung Senjaya yesterday.
"It proves that Allah has been listening to my prayers because I cannot afford to make my children happy, but today, they are so excited," she said as her children eagerly explored the car.
Nor Aza, who lost her husband, Mohd Asri Zakaria, to kidney cancer two years ago earns RM100 a week cleaning fish.
She also sells salted eggs and rears catfish, though many of her ducks and catfish either died or were swept away in the recent floods.
Aside from her children, Nor Aza also cares for her 75-year-old mother-in-law, Aishah Salleh, and a mentally ill aunt.
"This car is more comfortable, especially for sending the children to school," she said.
She added she will continue to use her "old junk" to sell salted eggs and transport the chicken intestines she uses to feed her catfish.
Nor Aza said she was so touched by the generosity of the well-wishers who have chipped in to ease her burden.
"I did not expect all these donations. This is a blessing for my family and I am grateful despite being tested by the recent floods," she said.
"I will use the remaining donations for my children's education.
"I want to thank everyone who has helped me, including Cancer Survivors Malaysia chairman Zuraini Kamal."